Local teen in national vocal contest

A recent high school graduate is seeking community support for a contest that could win her $10,000 and a trip to Nashville.

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Chillicothe News - Chillicothe, MO

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Posted Jun. 27, 2013 at 2:09 PM
Updated Jun 27, 2013 at 2:11 PM

Posted Jun. 27, 2013 at 2:09 PM
Updated Jun 27, 2013 at 2:11 PM

A recent high school graduate is seeking community support for a contest that could win her $10,000 and a trip to Nashville.

Kaitlyn Garr, a 2013 graduate of Chillicothe High School and a member of the Chillicothe FFA Chapter, is one of many hopefuls entered in the national Stand and Be Heard Anthem Singing Contest. The first round of the competition, sponsored by FMC Crop, is a popular vote. Supporters can begin voting Monday, July 1.

"They just go on the Internet to the website and vote from e-mail," Garr explained. The first part is just popular vote, and then it goes on and the judges actually judge the four that were chosen by popular vote."

Contest entrants must be a member of a national ag-related student organization such as FFA or 4-H. Garr said the Chillicothe chapter has been supportive of her musical aspirations.

"I'm really big into singing and FFA," Garr said. "My advisor came to me one day and had gotten something on Facebook about this. I was going to state convention for singing and for the choir, and he said 'While you're down there, why don't you try out for this?' So when I got down there, I was at the career show and saw their booth. The lady took me into a stairwell. I sang the National Anthem and she recorded me."

In addition to the State FFA choir, Garr was also a member of the International FFA Choir in October 2012, in Indianapolis, Ind.

"We sang about 12 hours each day. It was very tiring" Garr explained. "It was just awesome having everyone be so supportive."

The grand prize for the contest is a $10,000 college scholarship and an interview/performance on national television. The three other finalists will each receive a $5,000 college scholarship and an interview/performance on national television. Garr plans to attend either Tennessee State University or Belmont University, both in Nashville. While the money would be a great help toward her educational future, Garr said she's focusing more on the opportunity this contest provides.

"It's not about the money," Garr said. "It's more about the experience and to see if I'm really that good."

Those wishing to support Garr in the Stand and Be Heard Anthem Singing Contest are encouraged to vote July 1-14 at www.FMCcrop.com/contest.